Sportswear materials are designed to keep you comfortable during exercise and prevent overheating. Most of these fabrics are lightweight, airy, and have a high percentage of stretch for maximum flexibility.
These materials are ideal for sports and exercise because they are breathable and dry quickly, which prevents irritation and chafing. There are several factors to consider when choosing sportswear material. Depending on your activity level and climate, you may need different fabrics.
This guide will walk you through the options and help you choose the best sportswear material for you.
What Qualities to Look for in the Best Sportswear Materials
Activewear is very specific in that they are designed to improve your workout performance. Regardless of the workouts you choose to take part in, ensure you go for something which can improve your general experience.
Not every material is created the same in sportswear, and some might be a hindrance instead of being helpful. So whether you want to buy leggings or tights, it is important to ensure they have the following qualities:
- Breathable
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Flexible
3 Sportswear Materials and their Benefits
If you want to buy new women’s workout clothes that you can feel good in, it is important to know the best fabrics and their benefits. Some of these include:
1. Scrunch
Scrunch material is a fabric that is designed to have a high amount of elasticity and therefore will “scrunch” back to its original size after being stretched. It also has a fabric texture that is very soft to the touch and usually is made of a stretchy knit fabric. Scrunch fabrics are very popular in activewear and workout clothing because they are super comfortable and move with the body. They are also very warm and cozy, making them ideal for cold weather sweaters. Many activewear brands have turned to this fabric to make scrunch tops and leggings.
2. Ribbed Knit
Ribbed knit fabric is a common choice for athletic wear and other active apparel types due to its elasticity, durability, and ability to wick sweat away from the skin. Ribbed knit fabric is created by stretching the yarn that is used to knit the fabric unevenly to create ridges, which are then usually finished with a coating to prevent them from catching on other fabrics. Ribbed knit fabric is typically most beneficial for people who experience chafing and irritation during physical activity, such as athletes, people with sensitive skin, and those who are overweight. You can find ribbed knit crop tops, leggings and even bras.
3. Super Stretch
Super stretch fabrics are used in activewear due to their superior elasticity and their ability to recover from stretching. For example a pair of super stretch leggings can stretch up to 10 times their original length and then return to their original form. This elasticity and stretchability is what makes activewear with super stretch so comfortable. If you’re looking for activewear with super stretch, try on garments made with elastane, nylon, spandex, or rayon.
The Bottom Line!
A sports fabric is a technical material that keeps you as a wearer comfortable during workouts. The kind of fabric needed depends on the intensity of the activity and exercise. But in general, your sportswear needs to have a great stretch capability for easy movement.